The measure has been pulled as Democrats attempt to beat back a National Rifle Association effort to preserve the version of the bill that passed the Senate, which loosens District gun restrictions. Many House Democrats are outraged by the provision, believing it’s a poison pill meant to kill the bill.

Hoyer spent Wednesday in discussions with D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton to decide the best way to move forward. They are trying to figure out possible compromises that would attract enough pro-gun Democrats for passage without gutting the District’s gun laws, a person familiar with the situation said.

Hoyer said in a statement that he was hoping “to address the remaining challenges so we can bring this historic legislation to the floor as soon as possible.” But House Democratic aides said hope for a vote next week was fading.

Quigley Moving Quickly

Mike Quigley, who won the Democratic primary for Rahm Emanuel’s old seat on Tuesday, is wasting no time in solidifying support among national Democrats with Chicago roots and is planning a trip to D.C. in the next two weeks, according to a person close to Quigley.

The Dover Group, which has been consulting with Quigley on fundraising and strategy, is also planning a March fundraiser in Washington, the person said.

Mission Accomplished II?

A group of 31 House Republicans have introduced a resolution “declaring victory in Iraq,” which is bound to evoke images of “Mission Accomplished” and George W. Bush in a flight suit.

The intention of the resolution isn’t actually celebratory. It’s meant to set a political trap by declaring, six weeks into Barack Obama’s presidency, that all responsibility for the six-year conflict initiated by President Bush is now Obama’s to lose.

“By virtually every measure, thanks to his adoption of the surge strategy, President Bush left office having secured victory in Iraq,” writes Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), the prime sponsor. “This victory, however, may be squandered if President Obama withdraws American forces too hastily. In an effort to avoid this, this resolution outlines the path that we have followed to victory and calls upon President Obama to maintain this hard-won victory. This resolution is intended to send an important message to President Obama — that history will judge him harshly should he choose to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.”

“As soon as President Obama took the oath of office, he assumed responsibility for Iraq,” he added.

While even hardened anti-war groups acknowledge dramatic progress, few experts claim the U.S. has already achieved a “victory.” In fact, some experts and veterans assert the opposite. U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker recently told author Thomas Ricks: “The events for which the Iraq war will be remembered probably have not yet happened.”

Southern California Rep. Diane Watson had no idea what she was getting into when she offered your typical, smiley-face resolution celebrating USC’s Rose Bowl win.

That earned Watson, a UCLA grad, the “traitor” label from USC-loathing boosters at her alma mater (They call their rival “SUC”), who are mounting a pretty sophisticated Web-based campaign against her.

To wit: They have been sending around a video of a USC player making what looks like an obscene gesture behind ESPN’s Erin Andrews at a recent game, with the message, “Heartwarming, no?”

An open letter to Watson appeared on BruinsNation.com:

“I understand the need to represent all of your constituents, so maybe I can overlook this blatant act of betrayal. What I do not understand is introducing a worthless piece of legislation at a time like this. ... Rep. Watson, this legislation is the wrong message at the absolute wrong time. Rome is burning, Rep. Watson. Are you going to be Nero?”

The move comes as a bit of a surprise, since Altmire takes pride in his utter centrism, even using his Web page to tout his recent ranking as the House member occupying the precise ideological midpoint of the chamber.

Still, Altmire’s western Pennsylvania district is one of the few to turn more conservative since 2004, as Pittsburgh Post-Gazette columnist Timothy McNulty pointed out.